Family confronts alleged knife-wielding robber in Long Island home

COLD SPRING HARBOR, Long Island — A Long Island family captured a knife-wielding burglar in their home late Thursday night and held him until police arrived, officials said.

Jeffrey Rice, 45, allegedly entered the house through an unlocked side door around 11 p.m., Suffolk County Police said. He grabbed a kitchen knife, walked upstairs and went into a room where he confronted a 7-year-old girl and her 85-year-old aunt. Rice allegedly assaulted the aunt.

He left the room and ran into the 35-year-old homeowner, police said. The two argued until the woman’s husband, 37, came and fought Rice.

The husband – along with his brother and brother-in-law – escorted Rice outside where they waited for police, officials said. Police arrested Rice and charged him with burglary. He is scheduled to be arraigned Friday.

The 85-year-old woman was treated at Huntington Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, police said.